Services

HS3 announcement perfect time to reconsider HS2, says Bucks MP

A SOUTH Bucks MP has said today's announcement by the Chancellor about plans for a third high speed rail link gives a chance of a rethink on HS2.

George Osborne today revealed plans to connect Manchester and Leeds via a new high speed railway link that's being branded as HS3.

Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan has welcomed the proposals - but said the plans are proof HS2 needs to be reconsidered.

The former Welsh Secretary has previously said building work on HS2 should begin in the north - linking Manchester, Glasgow and York with Birmingham - and the section south to London through Bucks should be done last.

She added HS2 should follow existing transport corridors to minimise the impact on the environment - something HS3 will do.

Mrs Gillan said: "I have consistently called for building our improved high speed railway services by starting in the north and creating better connectivity. This announcement is a start and even wider consideration should be given to other cities such as Liverpool and Hull.

"This should also give the government a chance to rethink - the far from optimum plans for HS2 between Birmingham to London. Now is the time to look at a better option in the south which would include improving connectivity to our airports in the south east, connect to HS1, the Channel Tunnel rail link, and maximise the existing transport corridors."

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